George Washington February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia – December 14, 1799 in Mount Vernon, Virginia Political Party: Federalist Terms: April 30, 1789 – March 3, 1797 Vice Presidents: Both Terms – John Adams
Thematic Context: Globalization during George Washington’s presidency was the extent at which he wished the American people to be involved in foreign affairs. His policy of Isolationism strived to keep America economically involved with other countries, but not politically. America had some success at increasing globalization during Washington’s presidency, but also some setbacks. Jay’s Treaty, signed in 1795, inadvertently hurt the United States’ trade with Britain. With the ratification of the treaty, America and Britain no longer had “neutrality on the seas. (DeGregorio)” British Naval ships could stop any American ship coming to their land suspected of carrying illegal cargo – with no probable cause – and take whatever it was. Of course the British considered perfectly legal items as contraband; any useful product, such as food or alcohol, was often taken. This is an example of globalization because it illustrates the process of the United States trying to create a more global economy with free trade, and some of the problems that they experienced. America had been trading with other countries before, but not as an independent country that could regulate the trade themselves. This development affected the presidency because it caused many individuals like the Jeffersonians, or the Democratic-Republicans, to criticize the government for approving the treaty. The main purpose of the treaty was to give The U.S. some time to recuperate from the Revolution and prepare for any other conflicts that should arise, and it did just that. The development may have made some individuals quite angry because they gained little in the treaty and lost the security of their goods in British ports. While Jay’s Treaty had given Americans some problems in respect to trading with Britain, Pinckney’s Treaty looked to help trade with Spain and pave new roads for commerce in the future. Spain, who was looking to relinquish its alliance with Britain and fearing that Jay’s Treaty would jeopardize the Spanish colonies, sought to make an agreement that would deter the Americans from siding with the British and attacking their settlements. With this agreement, American ships could use all of the Mississippi river and even New Orleans to export goods. The Mississippi river was, and still is, an invaluable artery that allowed goods to be transported from the northern frontier settlements to the Caribbean and subsequently to the rest of the world. This is another example of globalization because it shows the United States’ interest in creating more opportunities to get goods to the rest of the world. Unlike the first development, this development had a positive effect on the presidency. This treaty put the Federalists in a better light to some and strengthened their support where it had previously been low. Not only were new trade routes opened, but it encouraged westward expansion. Citizens were most likely were happy that new possibilities for making money that were opening up, and there were easier ways to get their products to the consumers as a result of the new access to the Mississippi river. The United States may not have succeeded tremendously in globalization during the Washington administration, but it did lay significant ground work that would shape future strides in the directions of a powerful global economy.
Thesis: Washington and his administration deserve an A-, on a scale from A to F, considering that this administration was the first of this brand new country. Developing a policy of neutrality was one of Washington’s best actions as president. He was able to keep the United States out of wars with foreign countries while improving relations within the borders and recuperating from the Revolution. Washington made a point to make peace with Native American tribes who would prove to be very useful allies in the coming years. He was able to deal with the first real threat to government authority swiftly and instituted some taxes and tariffs to help get the country get back on its feet financially after the Revolution. Also financially, Washington signed bills to create the Department of the Treasury, the Bank of the United States, and the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Similar to the Department of the Treasury, Washington set up the Department of State and the Department of War to deal with matters concerning those specific areas. Also, he approved the Judicial Act, which set up the court system still used today. Arguably one of the most important ratifications of Washington’s administration was the Bill of Rights which was a list of amendments to the Constitution that guaranteed inalienable rights to all citizens. Taking all of this into account, some may argue that George Washington was one of the greatest presidents in American history.
Goals: In George Washington’s inaugural address, his goals included a focus on creating a new successful government that would serve the people while impressing and demanding the respect of the rest of the world. He planned on setting precedents for future presidents and setting America on course towards greatness. Probably the biggest goal Washington set for himself and his administration was to keep the government as a body that serves the people, is for the people, and has the best interests of the people in mind, but is not the absolute ruler or oppressive force that controls every aspect of citizens’ lives. He even recognized the importance of the separation of church and state and how he hoped to maintain that. For the most part, Washington achieved his goals. To accomplish his goal of creating a government to serve the public he declared a proclamation of neutrality in 1793. This policy shaped the way the government interacted with other countries and made it a point to stay out of wars to protect the wellbeing of the young country and its citizens. Without having to worry that much about foreign affairs, the U.S. government was able to give a lot of attention to the public. Another way that Washington helped establish a credible government to serve the people was with the establishment of multiple departments that were made up of people with many different viewpoints so as to represent all political views. Washington knew every action he made would create a precedent seeing as he was the first president. With this in mind he carefully thought out his decisions. One of the most famous precedents he set was the president’s ability to resist congressional petitions. During his presidency, the Constitution was framed with a clear distinction made keeping religious views out of government decisions. George Washington was able achieve most of his goals, but in reality his goals were meant to transcend time and remain instrumental in future presidency.
Relationship with Congress: For the most part, George Washington stayed out of Congress’s way. He believed that his job was simply to make decisions based on the good of the people, and that he shouldn’t try and influence Congress’s proceedings. Washington was very compliant with the bills Congress produced and only rejected those that didn’t adhere to the Constitution. Washington’s experience during the Revolutionary war led him to realize the importance of a strong Congress. He also believed Congress shouldn’t be involved in foreign affairs. In both the Senate and the House of Representatives the majority party was the “Pro-Administration.” There weren’t really political parties at this time in politics, but the Pro-Administration party included those who supported Washington. Later, Jeffersonian Democratic Republicans and Hamiltonian Republicans emerged in Congress. During the first session of Congress, the majority of the discussion was on Hamilton’s financial plan, which Washington was in favor of. The majority of the legislature passed in Congress was all to help further set up a government that would serve the people. For example, departments were created within the executive branch to carry out specific responsibilities. Also, the Judiciary Act established a federal court system for the people. Acts like the Patent Act and the Copyright Act were meant to protect citizens’ ideas and inventions. These acts supported the goals that Washington set up in his inaugural speech. His attitude toward Congress gained him a lot of respect from Congressmen and they listened to his goals and views of how America should be, and it showed in the legislature passed.
Positive Event: The Constitution was ratified without a list of rights that the citizens were guaranteed to and a list of things that the government could not do. The Federalists were opposed to the idea of a Bill of Rights, while the Anti-Federalists refused to ratify the Constitution without one. With wounds still raw from Britain’s oppressive rule over the colonies, a Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution in 1791. Washington was neither a Federalist nor an Anti-Federalist, but he knew the importance of keeping the government’s power checked and under control and the importance of satisfying as many as he could. It was not only his action, but a collaboration of all the founding fathers. He knew the importance of amendments, and that the Constitution was not perfect. The Bill of Rights was a necessary compromise to ensure that both parties would be happy even though he was against the idea different parties. His willingness to compromise and foresight of the need to protect the public’s rights from the government made this one of the best actions of his presidency.
Negative Event: George Washington’s attempt to stop the first real question to authority in the United States could be considered a victory, but the way he went about stopping it wasn’t. The Whiskey Rebellion was probably the worst action that Washington took during his entire administration because he used military strength to force the farmers of Pennsylvania to do what he wished. Farmers, who relied on the distillation of their grain into whiskey in order to make a profit, were very outraged by this excessive tax. For every gallon of whiskey there was a seven cent tax. They had no way to pay the tax before the product was shipped from their frontier settlements to the east. Most farmers made the argument that the government, for the most part, stayed out of the lives of the frontiersmen and that they shouldn’t be able to institute a tax that would take their money. As a result, disruptions flared up all over western Pennsylvania and other frontier settlements. Washington after trying to negotiate with the angered farmers sent 13,000 troops to finally put an end to the rebellion. All things considered, the Whiskey Rebellion could have been worse. Washington did try to negotiate with farmers, but to no avail. Letting this situation get as out of hand as it did was probably the first mistake. This mistake that Washington and his administration made contributed to the A- rating.
Influential Decision: In George Washington’s farewell address in 1797, when he announced his retirement, he made a distinct point of remaining out of foreign affairs and wars. Isolationism was a policy that Washington wholeheartedly believed in, and was continued after he left office. “Isolationism remained the dominant feature in American foreign policy for the next 100 years. (DeGregorio)” No one could predict the future, and it was unclear if alliances would be necessary to survive in the coming years. Washington believed that remaining out of foreign affairs would serve America better than aligning themselves with countries itching to go to war. The government resorted to this policy numerous times over the history of the United States after Washington urged its importance. President Monroe (in 1823) adopted and adapted Washington’s policy of isolationism into his Monroe Doctrine that explained the America’s position on involving itself in European affairs. Napoleon III had asked America to help put down an uprising in Poland in 1863, but the U.S. refused citing their policy on non-intervention, or isolationism. Another example of isolationism would reveal itself when World War I pressured the United States into joining, but eventually they were forced to declared war. Even between the World Wars the U.S. wanted to keep itself out of foreign affairs. This idea of isolationism that Washington stressed in his presidency and in his farewell address persisted for a very long time and influenced the actions of many law and policy makers.
Conclusion: The United States was in a better position after Washington left office in 1797 than back when he was first elected. For all of the work he and his administration did in office, they truly deserve an A-. Before Washington was president, the United States barely had any guiding rules, principles, or values. When he left, a relatively well established government was in place that was set up for success. His policies, such as isolationism, or neutrality, saved America from costly wars and binding alliances even after he retired. Washington didn’t necessarily want to be president, but he knew no one at the time could do a better job than himself. Even though that sounds very arrogant, it was true. Washington understood the gravity of the situation. He knew that whatever actions he made would set a precedent for the future leaders of America. Washington respected the separation of powers and didn’t over step his authority in Congress or in the judicial system. Failures were not common during his presidency, and as a result he was greatly respected. By the end of Washington’s two terms in office, the U.S. was growing financially with the rapid expansion of the country westward and the new availability of the Mississippi river for trade as a result of Pinckney’s treaty. The government was gaining confidence in their authority as shown during the Whiskey Rebellion and there introduction of new policies and legislation.
DeGregorio, William A.. The complete book of U.S. presidents. 6th ed. Fort Lee, NJ: Barricade Books, 2005. Print. "Office of the Historian - Milestones - 1784-1800 - Treaty of San Lorenzo/ Pinckney’s Treaty." Office of the Historian. U.S. Department of State, n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2013. <http://history.state.gov/milestones/1784-1800/PickneyTreaty>.
Powell, Albrecht. "Whiskey Rebellion - 1794 Whiskey Insurrection of Western Pennsylvania." About Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for Residents & Visitors. About.com, n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2013. <http://pittsburgh.about.com/cs/history/a/whiskey.htm>.
February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia – December 14, 1799 in Mount Vernon, Virginia
Political Party: Federalist
Terms: April 30, 1789 – March 3, 1797
Vice Presidents: Both Terms – John Adams
Thematic Context: Globalization during George Washington’s presidency was the extent at which he wished the American people to be involved in foreign affairs. His policy of Isolationism strived to keep America economically involved with other countries, but not politically. America had some success at increasing globalization during Washington’s presidency, but also some setbacks. Jay’s Treaty, signed in 1795, inadvertently hurt the United States’ trade with Britain. With the ratification of the treaty, America and Britain no longer had “neutrality on the seas. (DeGregorio)” British Naval ships could stop any American ship coming to their land suspected of carrying illegal cargo – with no probable cause – and take whatever it was. Of course the British considered perfectly legal items as contraband; any useful product, such as food or alcohol, was often taken. This is an example of globalization because it illustrates the process of the United States trying to create a more global economy with free trade, and some of the problems that they experienced. America had been trading with other countries before, but not as an independent country that could regulate the trade themselves. This development affected the presidency because it caused many individuals like the Jeffersonians, or the Democratic-Republicans, to criticize the government for approving the treaty. The main purpose of the treaty was to give The U.S. some time to recuperate from the Revolution and prepare for any other conflicts that should arise, and it did just that. The development may have made some individuals quite angry because they gained little in the treaty and lost the security of their goods in British ports. While Jay’s Treaty had given Americans some problems in respect to trading with Britain, Pinckney’s Treaty looked to help trade with Spain and pave new roads for commerce in the future. Spain, who was looking to relinquish its alliance with Britain and fearing that Jay’s Treaty would jeopardize the Spanish colonies, sought to make an agreement that would deter the Americans from siding with the British and attacking their settlements. With this agreement, American ships could use all of the Mississippi river and even New Orleans to export goods. The Mississippi river was, and still is, an invaluable artery that allowed goods to be transported from the northern frontier settlements to the Caribbean and subsequently to the rest of the world. This is another example of globalization because it shows the United States’ interest in creating more opportunities to get goods to the rest of the world. Unlike the first development, this development had a positive effect on the presidency. This treaty put the Federalists in a better light to some and strengthened their support where it had previously been low. Not only were new trade routes opened, but it encouraged westward expansion. Citizens were most likely were happy that new possibilities for making money that were opening up, and there were easier ways to get their products to the consumers as a result of the new access to the Mississippi river. The United States may not have succeeded tremendously in globalization during the Washington administration, but it did lay significant ground work that would shape future strides in the directions of a powerful global economy.
Thesis: Washington and his administration deserve an A-, on a scale from A to F, considering that this administration was the first of this brand new country. Developing a policy of neutrality was one of Washington’s best actions as president. He was able to keep the United States out of wars with foreign countries while improving relations within the borders and recuperating from the Revolution. Washington made a point to make peace with Native American tribes who would prove to be very useful allies in the coming years. He was able to deal with the first real threat to government authority swiftly and instituted some taxes and tariffs to help get the country get back on its feet financially after the Revolution. Also financially, Washington signed bills to create the Department of the Treasury, the Bank of the United States, and the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Similar to the Department of the Treasury, Washington set up the Department of State and the Department of War to deal with matters concerning those specific areas. Also, he approved the Judicial Act, which set up the court system still used today. Arguably one of the most important ratifications of Washington’s administration was the Bill of Rights which was a list of amendments to the Constitution that guaranteed inalienable rights to all citizens. Taking all of this into account, some may argue that George Washington was one of the greatest presidents in American history.
Goals: In George Washington’s inaugural address, his goals included a focus on creating a new successful government that would serve the people while impressing and demanding the respect of the rest of the world. He planned on setting precedents for future presidents and setting America on course towards greatness. Probably the biggest goal Washington set for himself and his administration was to keep the government as a body that serves the people, is for the people, and has the best interests of the people in mind, but is not the absolute ruler or oppressive force that controls every aspect of citizens’ lives. He even recognized the importance of the separation of church and state and how he hoped to maintain that. For the most part, Washington achieved his goals. To accomplish his goal of creating a government to serve the public he declared a proclamation of neutrality in 1793. This policy shaped the way the government interacted with other countries and made it a point to stay out of wars to protect the wellbeing of the young country and its citizens. Without having to worry that much about foreign affairs, the U.S. government was able to give a lot of attention to the public. Another way that Washington helped establish a credible government to serve the people was with the establishment of multiple departments that were made up of people with many different viewpoints so as to represent all political views. Washington knew every action he made would create a precedent seeing as he was the first president. With this in mind he carefully thought out his decisions. One of the most famous precedents he set was the president’s ability to resist congressional petitions. During his presidency, the Constitution was framed with a clear distinction made keeping religious views out of government decisions. George Washington was able achieve most of his goals, but in reality his goals were meant to transcend time and remain instrumental in future presidency.
Relationship with Congress: For the most part, George Washington stayed out of Congress’s way. He believed that his job was simply to make decisions based on the good of the people, and that he shouldn’t try and influence Congress’s proceedings. Washington was very compliant with the bills Congress produced and only rejected those that didn’t adhere to the Constitution. Washington’s experience during the Revolutionary war led him to realize the importance of a strong Congress. He also believed Congress shouldn’t be involved in foreign affairs. In both the Senate and the House of Representatives the majority party was the “Pro-Administration.” There weren’t really political parties at this time in politics, but the Pro-Administration party included those who supported Washington. Later, Jeffersonian Democratic Republicans and Hamiltonian Republicans emerged in Congress. During the first session of Congress, the majority of the discussion was on Hamilton’s financial plan, which Washington was in favor of. The majority of the legislature passed in Congress was all to help further set up a government that would serve the people. For example, departments were created within the executive branch to carry out specific responsibilities. Also, the Judiciary Act established a federal court system for the people. Acts like the Patent Act and the Copyright Act were meant to protect citizens’ ideas and inventions. These acts supported the goals that Washington set up in his inaugural speech. His attitude toward Congress gained him a lot of respect from Congressmen and they listened to his goals and views of how America should be, and it showed in the legislature passed.
Positive Event: The Constitution was ratified without a list of rights that the citizens were guaranteed to and a list of things that the government could not do. The Federalists were opposed to the idea of a Bill of Rights, while the Anti-Federalists refused to ratify the Constitution without one. With wounds still raw from Britain’s oppressive rule over the colonies, a Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution in 1791. Washington was neither a Federalist nor an Anti-Federalist, but he knew the importance of keeping the government’s power checked and under control and the importance of satisfying as many as he could. It was not only his action, but a collaboration of all the founding fathers. He knew the importance of amendments, and that the Constitution was not perfect. The Bill of Rights was a necessary compromise to ensure that both parties would be happy even though he was against the idea different parties. His willingness to compromise and foresight of the need to protect the public’s rights from the government made this one of the best actions of his presidency.
Negative Event: George Washington’s attempt to stop the first real question to authority in the United States could be considered a victory, but the way he went about stopping it wasn’t. The Whiskey Rebellion was probably the worst action that Washington took during his entire administration because he used military strength to force the farmers of Pennsylvania to do what he wished. Farmers, who relied on the distillation of their grain into whiskey in order to make a profit, were very outraged by this excessive tax. For every gallon of whiskey there was a seven cent tax. They had no way to pay the tax before the product was shipped from their frontier settlements to the east. Most farmers made the argument that the government, for the most part, stayed out of the lives of the frontiersmen and that they shouldn’t be able to institute a tax that would take their money. As a result, disruptions flared up all over western Pennsylvania and other frontier settlements. Washington after trying to negotiate with the angered farmers sent 13,000 troops to finally put an end to the rebellion. All things considered, the Whiskey Rebellion could have been worse. Washington did try to negotiate with farmers, but to no avail. Letting this situation get as out of hand as it did was probably the first mistake. This mistake that Washington and his administration made contributed to the A- rating.
Influential Decision: In George Washington’s farewell address in 1797, when he announced his retirement, he made a distinct point of remaining out of foreign affairs and wars. Isolationism was a policy that Washington wholeheartedly believed in, and was continued after he left office. “Isolationism remained the dominant feature in American foreign policy for the next 100 years. (DeGregorio)” No one could predict the future, and it was unclear if alliances would be necessary to survive in the coming years. Washington believed that remaining out of foreign affairs would serve America better than aligning themselves with countries itching to go to war. The government resorted to this policy numerous times over the history of the United States after Washington urged its importance. President Monroe (in 1823) adopted and adapted Washington’s policy of isolationism into his Monroe Doctrine that explained the America’s position on involving itself in European affairs. Napoleon III had asked America to help put down an uprising in Poland in 1863, but the U.S. refused citing their policy on non-intervention, or isolationism. Another example of isolationism would reveal itself when World War I pressured the United States into joining, but eventually they were forced to declared war. Even between the World Wars the U.S. wanted to keep itself out of foreign affairs. This idea of isolationism that Washington stressed in his presidency and in his farewell address persisted for a very long time and influenced the actions of many law and policy makers.
Conclusion: The United States was in a better position after Washington left office in 1797 than back when he was first elected. For all of the work he and his administration did in office, they truly deserve an A-. Before Washington was president, the United States barely had any guiding rules, principles, or values. When he left, a relatively well established government was in place that was set up for success. His policies, such as isolationism, or neutrality, saved America from costly wars and binding alliances even after he retired. Washington didn’t necessarily want to be president, but he knew no one at the time could do a better job than himself. Even though that sounds very arrogant, it was true. Washington understood the gravity of the situation. He knew that whatever actions he made would set a precedent for the future leaders of America. Washington respected the separation of powers and didn’t over step his authority in Congress or in the judicial system. Failures were not common during his presidency, and as a result he was greatly respected. By the end of Washington’s two terms in office, the U.S. was growing financially with the rapid expansion of the country westward and the new availability of the Mississippi river for trade as a result of Pinckney’s treaty. The government was gaining confidence in their authority as shown during the Whiskey Rebellion and there introduction of new policies and legislation.
Bibliography:
"1st United States Congress - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Wikipedia, n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_United_States_Congress#Major_legislation>.
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DeGregorio, William A.. The complete book of U.S. presidents. 6th ed. Fort Lee, NJ: Barricade Books, 2005. Print.
"Office of the Historian - Milestones - 1784-1800 - Treaty of San Lorenzo/ Pinckney’s Treaty." Office of the Historian. U.S. Department of State, n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2013. <http://history.state.gov/milestones/1784-1800/PickneyTreaty>.
Powell, Albrecht. "Whiskey Rebellion - 1794 Whiskey Insurrection of Western Pennsylvania." About Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for Residents & Visitors. About.com, n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2013. <http://pittsburgh.about.com/cs/history/a/whiskey.htm>.
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Washington, George. "George Washington: Inaugural Address." The American Presidency Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2013. <http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=25800>.Top of Form